Rep. Larry Kraft

Maddy summaryHF 141 modifies Minnesota's sustainable building guidelines to require state agencies to comply with these standards during the predesign phase for all new state buildings and major renovations. It directly affects state agencies planning construction or major renovations (defined as projects over 10,000 sq. ft. or involving mechanical system replacement). The bill adds specific requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving indoor air quality, conserving water, and enhancing climate resilience into the guidelines, while mandating a report and appropriating funds for implementation. These changes apply to all state-funded projects after specified dates, ensuring sustainability is integrated early in the planning process.

Maddy summaryHF 262 prohibits employers from paying people with disabilities less than the state minimum wage, effective August 1, 2025 for new hires and August 1, 2027 for all current employees, ending the use of federal or state special certificates that allow subminimum wages. It requires providers of home and community-based services to report data on individuals currently paid subminimum wages by August 1, 2027, including personal details and employment metrics. The bill appropriates $38,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $75,000 in fiscal year 2027 to enhance the MnCHOICES system with employment-related resources. These changes directly affect employers, service providers, and people with disabilities working in supported employment programs across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 37 proposes adding a new constitutional guarantee to Minnesota's state constitution, stating that "Elections shall be free, fair, and equal. No civil or military power shall, at any time, interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote." If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, directly affecting all Minnesotans participating in elections by establishing this fundamental principle. The bill specifies the exact wording for the constitutional amendment and the ballot question voters would see. It does not create new election procedures but enshrines this standard into the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHF 210 appropriates $2.1 million from state bond proceeds to fund a regional public safety garage and storage facility in Eden Prairie. The bill directly affects the city of Eden Prairie and surrounding communities by providing funds to design, build, and equip a facility for housing fire, police, and other public safety vehicles and equipment. The key mechanism involves the state issuing bonds up to $2.1 million to cover the costs, with the funds administered through the commissioner of public safety. This is a funding measure focused on infrastructure for public safety services, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for ticket sales in Minnesota to increase transparency and prevent deceptive practices. It requires ticket sellers and online marketplaces to clearly display the total price, including all fees, and to provide buyers with proof of purchase and refund policies within 24 hours. The legislation also prohibits specific behaviors such as selling duplicate tickets, using unauthorized domain names, or bypassing online security measures to buy multiple tickets. The commissioner of commerce is given the authority to request data on how violations occur and to enforce these rules, with the law taking effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Minnesota Cooperative Housing Act to create a specific legal framework for housing cooperatives serving seniors, low and moderate-income individuals, and designated members. It provides clear definitions for cooperative structures and outlines operational rules, including how membership interests are treated and how conflicts with existing landlord-tenant laws are resolved. The legislation also introduces modern voting methods, such as electronic or telephonic ballots, to facilitate member participation in cooperative governance. By codifying these provisions into a new chapter of state law, the bill aims to streamline the organization and management of these housing entities while ensuring they operate within established legal boundaries.

Maddy summaryThis law requires Minnesota to rewrite the written portion of the driver's knowledge test and the driver's manual using clear, plain language by February 1, 2025. The new materials must follow specific writing rules, such as using simple sentences, active voice, and direct address to help test-takers understand traffic laws more easily. A state committee must oversee the creation of these new exams, and the Department of Public Safety is authorized to hire outside experts to help draft the content. By February 1, 2026, officials must submit a report to the legislature detailing the costs, staffing needs, and results of this implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides supplemental funding for various state agencies, including those responsible for agriculture, commerce, energy, utilities, and environmental protection. It adjusts budget allocations for the Department of Agriculture and establishes new programs and rules related to broadband access, renewable energy development, and energy infrastructure permitting. The legislation also includes technical updates to existing laws and appropriates specific sums for these initiatives to ensure they have the necessary financial resources to operate.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution from the Minnesota Legislature that formally asks Congress to overturn the Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. FEC. It requests that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to clarify that only natural persons, not corporations or other artificial entities, possess rights under the Constitution. The proposed amendment would also state that spending money to influence elections is not protected speech and would allow governments to regulate or limit campaign contributions to ensure equal political access. Additionally, the bill mandates that all permissible campaign spending must be publicly disclosed. Ultimately, the resolution directs state officials to send copies of the text to federal leaders and Minnesota's congressional representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local jurisdictions in Minnesota to choose ranked choice voting for their local elections, where voters rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting just one. It establishes specific rules for how these elections would be conducted, including procedures for counting votes and handling ballots where a candidate is eliminated based on the rankings. The legislation also permits local areas to use electronic voting machines that can automatically reallocate votes to remaining candidates after an initial winner is determined. However, the bill did not pass during the 2024 legislative session and therefore will not become law.